A developing method and apparatus using toner particles and magnetic carrier particles includes disposing a developer carrying member in associated with a latent image bearing member for bearing an image to be developed so as to form a developing zone, providing stationary magnetic poles of different polarities behind the developer carrying member, providing developer regulating zone where a layer of the developer including a mixture of toner particles and magnetic carrier particles is formed on the developer carrying member with a regulated layer thickness, the developer regulating zone beam disposed between the magnetic poles along a surface of the developer carrying member and immediately upstream of the developing zone with respect to movement of the developer layer, and applying electric field between the latent image bearing member and the developer carrying member in the developing zone.